IF this befell: At some fair dawning-time, Ere failed the wistful world its dreams and dew, Sheer from the height of heaven reached down to you A cloud-piled stair more pure than glistening rime, And firm as marble wrought, in flights sublime That pierced the void, whence lights come faint and few, Beyond all starry outposts: toward what new Wild-wondered shores—ah, would you dare to climb? And if, while yet you doubted, lo, too late, You saw it reft past range of fear and hope, Caught up the vast, and here you needs must wait Mere day's returning; would not narrow scope Wide earth yield? Yea, the azure's amplest cope Enclose your spirit like a dungeon-grate? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1) by GILBERT KEITH CHESTERTON ON THE DEATH OF RICHARD WEST by THOMAS GRAY THE STORMING OF STONY POINT [JULY 16, 1779] by ARTHUR GUITERMAN CITY LYRICS by NATHANIEL PARKER WILLIS NIOBE: INEXORABLE DEATH by AESCHYLUS ON THE DEATH OF THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD S. JOHN: THE DISCIPLE, WHOM JESUS LOVED by JOSEPH BEAUMONT |